Battle for places ideal for Hearts boss

JIM JEFFERIES is revelling in the battle for places among his Hearts squad, telling his squad as they flew to Germany this morning that he is a long way from deciding who will fill the starting berths in his first team this coming season.

The Jambos jetted out to Berlin early today for a double-header of friendlies that kicks off tonight against non-league side Ludwigsfelder, where Jefferies will analyse the younger players in his squad who are pushing for a start in the top team.

"It's against a lower-division side, but it'll still be tough. I'll not play the strongest side going there, although, looking at tonight, there are places to be got and the boys will get their chance on Thursday. We've got a lot of travelling to do. We were away early in the morning, so we'll have to rest up and play the game at night."

Jefferies will then use Saturday's match against Bundesliga 2 side Union Berlin to judge the fitness and sharpness of his more experienced players, who will gain valuable experience against continental-style opposition ahead of their Europa League campaign. Hearts enter at the third qualifying round, with the draw scheduled for a week tomorrow.

The Tynecastle boss said the friendly at East Fife earlier this week offered a sign that the less experienced members of his squad appear set to challenge the more mature professionals.

"The young boys are giving the first team something to think about. They can now say: 'We better do our job and keep these lads from trying to get in the team' – and that's what competition for places is. You're looking for a response all round from them."